AUKUS: This could only end in a very bad place

<p>This week&rsquo;s budget shows AUKUS is getting bigger.</p> <p>The government is putting more money into the agencies, workforce and infrastructure needed for nuclear-powered submarines.</p> <p>But the deal still relies on the US agreeing to sell them to Australia, and on a Trump administration that has already reviewed AUKUS through an &ldquo;America First&rdquo; lens.</p> <p>And as the program grows, the public still knows very little about what Australia is trading away to keep it alive.</p> <p>Today, former Director of War Studies for the Australian Army, Dr Albert Palazzo, on the secrecy around AUKUS &ndash; and the US military expansion on Australian soil.</p> <p>This episode was originally published in December 2025.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Former Director of War Studies for the Australian Army and adjunct professor at UNSW, Dr Albert Palazzo</p> <p><strong>Photo:&nbsp;</strong>AAP Image/Pool, Colin Murty</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>